Safety nosing components and manufacturing methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention is an improved safety nosing component including a base element with channel member and a light emission element. The safety nosing component is manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, triple-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two-shot molding or a combination thereof. The present invention allows safety nosing components to be installed on architectural structures while also providing additional functionality.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/005,739 filed Dec. 7, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to safety components and moreparticularly to nosing components for architectural structures andimproved manufacturing thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safety devices are used on architectural structures in a variety ofenvironments to reduce risk. Many environments exist where various poorlighting scenarios occur, for example, dimmed lighting or darkness dueto a power failure or smoke resultant from a fire. Risks may occur whenpeople attempt to navigate in poorly lit environments; such risksinclude physical injury, lack of orientation, lack of informationregarding navigation and lack of familiarity with the environment. To,mitigate these risks, illuminated safety devices exist that aretypically installed on stairs, floors, walls, and handrails such as thatdisclosed in application Ser. No. 12/215,971 filed Jul. 1, 2008,entitled Safety Handrail Apparatus and Manufacturing Methods,incorporated herein by reference.

But, these prior art devices are deficient in several respects includinglimitations in design, manufacturability and functionality. Onelimitation is due in part to material compositions of the device. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,861 requires a material mixture includingzinc sulfide, copper phosphorescent pigment, bleached aluminum oxide andsilicon carbide; U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,017 requires a material including atransparent resin mixed with zinc sulfide particles; and U.S. Pat. No.5,103,608 requires lumilux-N pigment carried by a two part epoxy.

Another limitation of the prior art devices is due in part to materialrequirements such as an adhesive. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,506requires traction tape with an adhesive; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,557requires a laminate with a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Yet another limitation of the prior art devices is due in part toinflexibility in design, which further results in costly andtime-consuming manufacturing. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,814includes a device with multiple parts including an illuminating plane toemit light that is reflected by a reflecting member; U.S. Pat. No.4,058,942 includes a device that requires a transparent covering strippositioned over a fluorescent material strip; and U.S. Pat. No.6,554,446 includes a device that requires electrically activated lightsources such as seat-mounted lamps, or beacon lamps.

These prior art devices are limited in functionality by only serving asa safety device. There is a desire for improved safety nosing componentsthat provide other functionality, for example, a non-slip surface, dockboat bumper, illumination guide, an illuminated boat fender oradvertising medium.

While the prior art devices fulfill their respective particularobjectives and requirements, the need still remains for safety nosingcomponents and manufacturing methods thereof that fulfill thedeficiencies of these devices and provide additional functionality. Thepresent invention satisfies this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved safety nosing component and methods of the presentinvention fulfill the deficiencies in design, manufacturability andfunctionality of prior art devices. The present invention includesimproved material compositions and material requirements. Additionally,the present invention is flexible in design thereby reducing cost andtime associated with manufacturing. Embodiments according to the presentinvention contemplate one-step, two-step, or three-step manufacturingprocesses. Certain embodiments of the present invention may also providefunctionality in addition to a visual safety marker.

For purposes of this application, an architectural structure is anyphysical formation. The present invention is discussed herein withrespect to steps, decks and docks, but any physical formation iscontemplated such as floors, walls, ceilings, piers, decks, balconies,hallways, bridges, wharfs, landings, platforms, fences, ladders,stairways, escalators, elevators, parking lots, boats, ships, planes,automobiles, and arenas just to name a few. It is further contemplatedthe present invention can be the architectural structure itself such asa stake or post, for example, a deck post and sign post.

The safety nosing component may be attached to an architecturalstructure of any construction, such as wood, composite wood, cement,fiberglass, plastic, metal, concrete, steel, stone, brick, glass,asphalt, carpet to name a few. The safety nosing component may beportable or permanently secured to an architectural structure such as byusing hardware including screws or nails, adhesive including liquid ortape adhesive, or Velcro®. The safety nosing component may furtherinclude an attachment member to assist with securement to anarchitectural structure.

In one embodiment, the safety nosing component according to the presentinvention includes a base element and a photoluminescent light emissionelement. Additional embodiments may further include a substrate element.

The base element, in one embodiment, includes a main member with aninside surface, outside surface, first edge, second edge, third edge andfourth edge. It is contemplated any of the edges of the main member mayinclude a bevel feature, for example, to prevent shoes or feet fromcatching on the safety nosing component. According to the presentinvention, the base element may be any length, width, depth, shape orsize. For example, in one embodiment, the base element may be about andincluding 3 feet to about and including 12 feet in length. In anotherembodiment, the base element may be about and including 20 feet orgreater in length.

In another embodiment, the base element includes a main member asdescribed above as well as a support member. The support member includesan interior surface, exterior surface, first border, second border,third border and fourth border. It is contemplated any of the borders ofthe support member may include a bevel feature, for example, to preventshoes or feet from catching on the safety nosing component. The mainmember and support member unite at an edge of the main member and aborder of the support member. The main member and support member areunited such as to form approximately a ninety-degree angle between thetwo elements, although any angle resultant from the application of thesafety nosing component is contemplated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an edge of the mainmember and a border of the support member are united via a living hingemember. A living hinge member is a thin flexible hinge that may beformed during manufacturing such as by injection molding or may be aseparate part such as a thin strip of material, such as thermoset orthermoplastic resin, polyethylene or polypropylene, that is molded intothe component to create a line along which the component can bend.Properly designed and executed, the living hinge member can be closedand opened over the life of the component with little or no loss offunction.

The base element includes a channel member extending from a proximateend to a distal end and is formed by boundaries. The channel member maybe positioned on either the main member or support member of the baseelement. More specifically, the channel member may be positioned on theoutside surface of the main member or the exterior surface of thesupport member. The channel member may run along the entire length or aportion of the entire length of the outside surface of the main memberor exterior surface of the support member.

Any depth of the channel member is contemplated in order to receive thelight emission element. It is further contemplated that the channelmember can be any cross-sectional shape such as dovetail, triangular,square, to name a few. The channel member may be, for example, about andincluding ½ inches to about and including 2½ inches in width.

The light emission element is any length, width, depth, shape or sizefor positioning within the channel member of the base element. The lightemission element stores energy, for example, as by absorbing photons andreleasing the energy as light over a duration of time. The lightemission element is capable of producing a sustained visible glowincluding in darkness such as at a minimum of one hour or longer.According to the present invention, the light emission element is amaterial with a fluorescent or photoluminescent quality, for example,strontium oxide, strontium aluminate, strontium silicate with magnesiumor metal sulfides such as calcium sulfide, strontium sulfide, zincsulfide, and cadmium sulfide. The light emission element may further bea metal or polymer.

The base element and light emission element of the present invention aremade of any material that can be molded or extruded, for example metalsuch as aluminum or powdered metals, composite lumber, and polymers,thermoset or thermoplastic resins. Polymers include plastics such asthermoplastic, thermoset plastic, polyurethane, polyethylene,polypropylene and engineering plastic, for example, synthetic polymersincluding nylon. The materials may further be compounded with a glassfiber or powdered metal to maintain rigidity such that the componentdoes not warp or twist during manufacturing or installation.

The material used for the safety nosing component is easily cut, forexample on a table saw or miter saw, to form various configurations suchas to accommodate varying lengths or corners. It is further contemplatedthat the material may be cured by a radiation source such as ultraviolet(UV) light or contain a UV additive in the material. Additionally, thematerial may be impact modified to improve the material properties suchas wear, non-slip, and weatherability, for example 2000 kilojewels ofweatherability. The material may also be compounded with a flameretardant additive to meet certain fire codes and regulations.

The materials used to manufacture the present invention may further becompounded with any color concentrate. This contemplates color matching,such as deck stains, paints, and composite lumber colors. The entiresafety nosing component may be manufactured with any color concentrate,including those that emit light such that the entire componentilluminates.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the safety nosingcomponent further includes a substrate element. The substrate elementincludes a top face and a bottom face along with a first side, secondside, third side and fourth side. The substrate element according to thepresent invention is made of any material that can be molded orextruded, for example metal such as aluminum, or polymers. Additionally,the substrate element may include a substance such as a film, pad,metal, grit or tape such as a pre-finished, cut to size, non-skidfriction substance and may further include a self adhesive backing usedin co-extrusion or triple-extrusion processes. The substrate element isany length, width, depth, shape or size to be positioned adjacent to thelight emission element. The advantages of a substrate element are thatit may optimize the illumination of the light emission element bypreventing the base element from “bleeding through” the light emissionelement. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate element is whitealthough any color is contemplated to achieve the advantages discussedherein.

For purposes of this application, the term “light emission element” usedherein may include either the light emission element or the lightemission element including substrate element.

The light emission element includes an upper face and a lower face alongwith a first wall, second wall, third wall, and fourth wall. Althoughnumerous configurations are contemplated, in a preferred embodiment thelight emission element, is positioned substantially about the channelmember and is about and including ½ inches to about and including 2½inches in width and runs along the entire length or a portion of theentire length of the channel member.

In another embodiment, the present invention allows configuration intoany desired length or shape by interconnecting any number of individualnosing components. For example, a first nosing component may beinterconnected to a second nosing component and so on to form acontinuous linear component or to form a corner component forarchitectural structures with bends or curves. Interconnection includesinsert injection molding, overmolding, heat stake, weld, snap fit suchas annular snap fit or cantilever snap fit, adhesive, adhesive tape,fasteners, chemical bonding, mechanical fit, or interference fit. Forpurposes of this application, the term “weld” includes sonic weld,vibration weld, orbital weld, ultrasonic weld, frictional weld, spinweld, radio frequency weld and laser weld, to name a few.

The present invention is manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion,triple-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, ortwo-shot molding. Extrusion is a process for manufacturing whereinmaterial is pushed or drawn through a die in the desired shape of afixed cross-sectional profile of the component. The component is cooledand solidified as it is pulled through the die. According to the presentinvention, the base element, the substrate element and light emissionelement may each be extruded.

Co-extrusion is the manufacturing process of extruding two or morematerials through a single die with two or more orifices arranged sothat the two or more materials, which may further be of different color,merge and weld together. Each material is fed to the die from a separateextruder, but the orifices may be arranged so that each extrudersupplies two or more plies. Each ply may be of the same material, oreach ply may be of different materials such as one ply of a polymermaterial and the other ply of a non-skid friction substance that isco-extruded upon the polymer material. In one embodiment according tothe present invention, the base element and the light emission elementare co-extruded using two plies to achieve the safety nosing component.In another embodiment, the base element and the substrate element areco-extruded. In yet another embodiment, the light emission component andsubstrate element are co-extruded.

Triple-extrusion is the manufacturing process similar to co-extrusion,except that three or more materials are extruded through a single diewith three or more orifices arranged so that the three or more materialsmerge and weld together. The three or more materials of atriple-extrusion process may each be of different color or may each beof different material. Each material is fed to the die from a separateextruder, but the orifices may be arranged so that each extrudersupplies three or more plies. Each ply may be of the same material, oreach ply may be of different materials, for example, one ply of aphotoluminescent polymer, one ply of aluminum, and one ply of adifferent material, such as a non-skid friction substance, tapesubstance, shiny metal, or a white polymer. An embodiment according tothe present invention includes triple-extruding the base element,substrate element and light emission element.

It is also contemplated that the elements of the present invention caninclude a texture element created by a calendering process during theextrusion, co-extrusion, or triple-extrusion process. Calenderingincludes a series of hard or heat-treated pressure rollers used tocreate a texture element, for example on the outside surface of the mainmember of the base element, the exterior surface of the support memberof the base element, the upper face of the light emission element, ortop face of the substrate element. A texture element includes, forexample, cleats, ridges, or grooves to form a non-slip surface tread,dock illumination guide, dock bumper, a boat fender or advertisingconstituent. An advertising constituent may be the advertisement itselfor a pocket for receiving an advertisement. The embodiments of thepresent invention that include a dock bumper provides additionalfunctionality of cushioning an impact of an incoming water vessel. Theembodiments of the present invention that include an advertisingconstituent provides additional functionality of an advertising medium.For example, an advertisement may be positioned on or within the baseelement or light emission element. An advertisement may even bepositioned on or within the substrate element.

It is further contemplated that the elements of the present inventioncan include a texture element created by a laser etched detail duringinjection molding, insert injection molding, or two-shot molding.

Injection molding is a manufacturing process for making components byinjecting materials at high pressure into a mold shaped as the inverseof the desired shape of the component. In one embodiment, the baseelement and light emission element are individually injection molded. Inanother embodiment, the base element, substrate element and lightemission element are individually injection molded. The elements arethen interconnected.

Interconnection includes insert injection molding, overmolding, heatstake, weld, snap fit such as annular snap fit or cantilever snap fit,adhesive, adhesive tape, fasteners, chemical bonding, mechanical fit, orinterference fit. For purposes of this application, the term “weld”includes sonic weld, vibration weld, orbital weld, ultrasonic weld,frictional weld, spin weld, radio frequency weld and laser weld, to namea few.

It is also contemplated that certain elements are extruded and othersare injection molded after which the elements are interconnected. Forexample, the base element is extruded and the light emission element isinjection molded or the base element is injection molded and the lightemission element is extruded. Other examples include a co-extruded baseelement and substrate element and an injection molded light emissioncomponent, or a co-extruded light emission element and substrate elementand an injection molded base element.

Insert injection molding is a manufacturing process that includes aninsert part that is placed into the mold cavity prior to injectingmaterial to encapsulate the insert part. According to the presentinvention, the insert part may be the base element, the light emissionelement, the light emission element and substrate element, or the baseelement and substrate element. The insert part may be manufactured, forexample, by extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding, or even formedapplications wherein a malleable material such as metal is formed into adesired any length, width, depth, shape or size. In one embodiment, theinsert part is the base element such that the light emission element orlight emission element and substrate element is injected molded toencapsulate the insert part. For example, the light emission element isinsert injection molded into an aluminum metal base element. In anotherembodiment, the insert part is the light emission element such that thebase element or base element and substrate element is injected molded toencapsulate the insert part. In another embodiment, the insert part isthe light emission element and substrate element such that the baseelement is injected molded to encapsulate the insert part. In yetanother embodiment, the insert part is the base element and substrateelement such that the light emission element is injected molded toencapsulate the insert part.

Two-shot injection molding allows the production of a component from twodifferent materials, which may further be of different color, at thesame time during one machine cycle. The two different materials may bejoined to form the component, for example, through a heat and pressureprocess or bonded through mechanical interference. In one embodiment,the base element and light emission element are manufactured with atwo-shot injection molding process. In another embodiment, the baseelement and substrate element are two-shot injection molded. In yetanother embodiment, the substrate element and light emission element aretwo-shot injection molded.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the safety nosing componentis overmolded, otherwise referred to as in-molded. Overmolding improvesefficiency and can be achieved with injection molding, insert injectionmolding, or two-shot molding manufacturing processes. With overmolding,only one element of the component is molded in one material, and thatelement is manipulated so an additional material can be molded around,over, under, or through it to complete the final component.

In embodiments that include a substrate element, the light emissionelement and substrate element may be manufactured using extrusion,co-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding and two-shotinjection molding. The light emission element including substrateelement are then assembled with the base element such as by insertinjection molding. In embodiments where the base element is manufacturedvia extrusion, injection molding, or insert injection molding, the lightemission element including substrate element are interconnected to thebase element. Again, interconnection includes insert injection molding,overmolding, heat stake, weld, snap-fit such as annular snap fit orcantilever snap fit, adhesive, adhesive tape, fasteners, chemicalbonding, mechanical fit, or interference fit.

Other embodiments include separately manufacturing each of the baseelement, light emission element and substrate element such as byextrusion, injection molding or insert injection molding. Then, thelight emission element, substrate element and base element areinterconnected.

Yet other embodiments may include manufacturing the base element andsubstrate element such as by co-extrusion, injection molding, insertinjection molding, or two-shot molding. The light emission element maythen be assembled with the base element such as by insert injectionmolding. In embodiments where the light emission element is manufacturedvia extrusion, injection molding, or insert injection molding, the lightemission element is interconnected to the base element includingsubstrate element.

Yet other embodiments may include a base element of a malleable materialsuch as aluminum that can manufactured using forming processes. Thelight emission element may then be interconnected on the base element.Metal forming processes include: stamping, bending, spinning,stretching, drawing, ironing, wheeling, roll forming, and incrementalsheet forming.

Other embodiments may include co-extruding a polymer material and anon-skid friction substance such that the non-skid friction substanceonly covers a portion of the polymer material. The co-extruded non-skidfriction substance and polymer material are insert molded into the baseelement, wherein the base element overmolds the portion of the polymermaterial without the non-skid friction substance such that the non-skidfriction substance is flush with the base element.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved safetynosing component that complies with all current and future contemplatedindustry standards and specifications, including Property ServicesAgency (PSA), International Building Code (IBC), National FireProtection Association (NFPA), International Code Compliance (ICC),American National Standards Institute (ANSI), International ResidentialCode (IRC), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce risks that mayoccur when people attempt to navigate in poorly lit environments. Thepresent invention provides components that function as a safety egressor ingress pathway to quickly evacuate people in the case of anemergency.

Another object of the present invention is to provide components thatserve additional functions such as a non-slip surface, dock bumper forboats, illumination guide, an illuminated boat fender or advertisingmedium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a safety nosingcomponent manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, triple-extrusion,injection molding, insert injection molding, two-shot injection molding,or any combination thereof.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aninterconnecting safety nosing component system. The present inventioncontemplates any configuration by interconnecting any number ofindividual nosing components.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a safetynosing component that requires little to no maintenance.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a lightemission element that does not lift or peel away from the substrateelement or the base element.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide amanufacturing process for a component comprising compatible materials aswell as a component comprising non-compatible materials.

Another object of the present invention is to protect architecturalstructures from wear and maintenance regardless of substance, e.g., suchas wood, composite wood, cement, fiberglass, metal, concrete, steel,stone, brick, glass, asphalt, carpet.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawingsand the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described inconjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not tothe limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements,and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety nosing component shown as astair nosing component in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a base element and lightemission element of a safety nosing component in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of a base element and lightemission element of the safety nosing component of FIG. 2 according tothe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a base element and light emission element ofthe safety nosing component of FIG. 2 according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a base element and light emission elementincluding substrate element of a safety nosing component in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of a base element and light emission elementincluding substrate element of a safety nosing component in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a side view of a base element and light emission elementincluding substrate element of a safety nosing component in accordancewith another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a safety nosing component shown as adock nosing component in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a base element and light emission element of asafety nosing component with additional functionality as a dock bumperand illumination guide for incoming water vessels in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a safety nosing component withadditional functionality of an advertising medium in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of a protective flooring device according to thepresent invention are generally shown by referring to the accompanyingdrawings.

A safety nosing component 10 is shown in FIG. 1 as stair nosingcomponent 15 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the stair nosingcomponent 15 according to the present invention includes a base element100 and light emission element 300. Additional embodiments may furtherinclude a substrate element 200 as shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG.5C.

In FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the base element 100 includes amain member 110 with an inside surface 111, outside surface 112, firstedge 113, second edge 114, third edge 115 and fourth edge 116.

In this embodiment, the base element 100 includes a main member 110 asdescribed above as well as a support member 120. The support member 120includes an interior surface 121, exterior surface 122, first border123, second border 124, third border 125 and fourth border 126. Asshown, the main member 110 and support member 120 unite at the secondedge 114 of the main member 110 and the second border 124 of the supportmember 120, although uniting any edge or border is contemplated. Themain member 110 and support member 120 are united such as to formapproximately a ninety-degree angle between the inside surface 111 ofthe main member 110 and the interior surface 121 of the support member120, although any angle is contemplated.

The outside surface 112 of the main member 110 further includes atexture element 160, shown here as cleats 161 to form tread 165 to serveas a non-slip surface. It is contemplated the texture element 160 mayfurther form an advertisement element as described more fully withrespect to FIG. 8.

As shown, the inside surface 111 of the main member 110 includes anattachment member 150, although it is contemplated the support member120 may include, an attachment member. The attachment member 150 asshown is a conduit structure 151. In this embodiment, adhesive isapplied to the conduit structure 151 to secure the safety nosingcomponent 10 to an architectural structure.

The base element 100 includes a channel member 140 extending from aproximate end 141 to a distal end 142. The channel member 140 may bepositioned on either the main member 110 as shown, or on the supportmember 120 of the base element 100 as shown in FIG. 7. Morespecifically, the channel member 140 is positioned on the outsidesurface 112 of the main member 110 as shown, or on the exterior surface122 of the support member 120 as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, channel member 140 runsalong the entire length of the outside surface 112 of the main member110 formed by a first boundary 143, second boundary 144 and thirdboundary 145 between a proximate end 141 and distal end 142. The channelmember 140 is positioned such that the proximate end 141 and distal end142 are located on the third edge 115 and fourth edge 116 respectively,although it is contemplated the proximate end 141 and distal end 142 maybe located on the first edge 113 and second edge 114 respectively. Asshown, the first edge 113 includes a bevel feature 170.

The light emission element 300 includes an upper face 301 and a lowerface 302 along with a first wall 303, second wall 304, third wall 305,and fourth wall 306. The light emission element 300 is positionedsubstantially about the channel member 140 such that the lower face 302of the light emission element 300 abuts the first boundary 143 of thechannel member 140. Additionally, the first wall 303 abuts the secondboundary 144 and the second wall 304 abuts the third boundary 145 suchthat the proximate end 141 and the distal end 142 of the channel member140 align with the third wall 305 and the fourth wall 306 of the lightemission element 300 respectively.

As shown in FIG. 5A, FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C, the base element 100 of thesafety nosing component 10 further includes a substrate element 200. Thesubstrate element 200 includes a top face 201 and a bottom face 202along with a first side 203, second side 204, third side 205 and fourthside 206.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a base element 100 and light emission element300 including substrate element 200 of a safety nosing component 10 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thesubstrate element 200 is positioned substantially about the channelmember 140 such that it is located between the base element 100 and thelight emission element 300. The bottom face 202 of the substrate element200 abuts the first boundary 143 of the channel member 140 and the topface 201 of the substrate element 200 abuts the lower face 302 of thelight emission element 300. Further, the third side 205 of the substrateelement 200 aligns with the proximate end 141 of the channel member 140and the third wall 305 of the light emission element 300. Likewise, thefourth side 206 of the substrate element 200 aligns with the distal end142 of the channel member 140 and the fourth wall 306 of the lightemission element 300.

In this embodiment, the channel member 140 has a second boundary 144including a bevel feature 171 and a third boundary 145 with a bevelfeature 172. Additionally, the first side 203 and the second side 204 ofthe substrate element 200 include reverse-bevel features 173 and 174respectively. The first wall 303 and the second wall 304 of the lightemission element 300 also include reverse-bevel features 175 and 176respectively. The bevel features mate with the reverse-bevel features inorder to overmold the base element 100. This secures the substrateelement 200 and the light emission element 300 within the channel member140 of the base element 100.

FIG. 5B is a side view of a base element 100 and light emission element300 including substrate element 200 of a safety nosing component 10 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown,the light emission element 300 includes an attachment member 150 on thelower face 302. The attachment member 150 as shown is a pair of stakestructures 152.

FIG. 5C is a side view of a base element 100 and light emission element300 including substrate element 200 of a safety nosing component 10 inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention. As shown,the light emission element 300 includes an attachment member 150 on thelower face 302. The attachment member 150 as shown is a pair of pinstructures 153.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5B, the stake structures 152 assist inassembling the light emission element 300, substrate element 200 andbase element 100 by interconnecting the elements via heat staking. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 5C, the base element 100 further includesaperture members 130. The pin structures 153 assist in assembling thelight emission element 300, substrate element 200 and base element 100by interconnecting the pin structures 153 with the aperture members 130via welding. It is also contemplated that interconnection may beperformed via snap-fit, adhesive, adhesive tape, chemical bonding,mechanical fit, or interference fit.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a safety nosing component 10 shown as adock nosing component 20 in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the dock nosing component 20serves as a dock bumper and illumination guide for incoming watervessels. As shown more specifically in FIG. 7, the safety nosingcomponent 10 includes a texture element 160 that is a dock bumper 162.The dock bumper 162 is positioned on the exterior surface 122 of thesupport member 120. In this embodiment, the dock bumper 162 includes achannel member 140 within which the light emission element 300 ispositioned. The dock bumper 162 is manufactured from a soft pliablematerial that can cushion an impact, for example, such as thermoplasticpolyurethanes (TPU), urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or othermaterial.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a safety nosing component 10 withadditional functionality of an advertising medium in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the safetynosing component 10 includes a texture element 160 shown here as anadvertising constituent 163. The advertising constituent 163 ispositioned on the base element 100, more specifically on the exteriorsurface 122 of the support member 120 as shown, although it is alsocontemplated that the advertising constituent 163 may be positioned onthe outside surface 112 of the main member 110. It is also contemplatedthat the advertising constituent 163 is positioned on the upper face 301of the light emission element 300 or even on the top face 201 of thesubstrate element 200.

Numerous embodiments of the advertising constituent 163 arecontemplated. For example, in one embodiment, the advertisingconstituent 163 may be formed from the material to illustrate text suchas a logo, or picture. In another embodiment, advertising constituent163 may include a pocket into which a physical advertisement is located,such as using adhesive. The physical advertisement may be inserted, suchas by sliding, within the pocket. The pocket may further include anupper lip and a lower lip to secure the physical advertisement. Thepocket may even further include a clear cover to secure and protect thephysical advertisement.

It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention,which have been described, are illustrative of some of the applicationsof the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing from the truespirit and scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A safety nosing component for securement to a stairarchitectural structure, comprising: a base element including a mainmember and a support member, said main member includes an insidesurface, an outside surface, a first edge, a second edge, a third edgeand a fourth edge; said support member includes an interior surface, anexterior surface, a first border, a second border, a third border and afourth border, wherein said main member and said support member unite atsaid second edge of said main member and said second border of saidsupport member; a texture element forming tread on said outside surfaceof said main member; an attachment member on said inside surface of saidmain member, wherein said attachment member is a conduit structure towhich adhesive is applied to secure the safety nosing component to thestair architectural structure; a channel member formed by a firstboundary, a second boundary including a first bevel feature and a thirdboundary including a second bevel feature, wherein said channel memberextends from a proximate end to a distal end and is positioned on saidoutside surface of said main member such that said proximate endterminates at said third edge of said main member and said distal endterminates at said fourth edge of said main member; a substrate elementincluding a top face, a bottom face, a first side including a firstreverse-bevel feature, a second side including a second reverse-bevelfeature, a third side and a fourth side; and a light emission elementincluding an upper face, a lower face, a first wall including a thirdreverse-bevel feature, a second wall including a fourth reverse-bevelfeature, a third wall and a fourth wall; said substrate element and saidlight emission element are positioned within said channel member suchthat said bottom face of said substrate element abuts said firstboundary of said channel member, said top face of said substrate elementabuts said lower face of said light emission element and said upper faceof said light emission element aligns with said outside surface of saidmain member, said third side of said substrate element aligns with saidthird wall of said light emission element and said third side and saidthird wall further align with said proximate end of said channel member,said fourth side of said substrate element aligns with said fourth wallof said light emission element and said fourth side and said fourth wallfurther align with said distal end of said channel member, said firstreverse-bevel feature of said first side of said substrate elementaligns with said third reverse-bevel feature of said first wall of saidlight emission element and said first reverse-bevel feature and saidthird reverse-bevel feature mate with said first bevel feature of saidsecond boundary of said channel member, and said second reverse-bevelfeature of said second side of said substrate element aligns with saidfourth reverse-bevel feature of said second wall of said light emissionelement and said second reverse-bevel feature and said fourthreverse-bevel feature mate with said second bevel feature of said thirdboundary of said channel member, said base element overmolds saidsubstrate element and said light emission element thereby securing saidsubstrate element and said light emission element within said channelmember.
 22. The safety nosing component for securement to a stairarchitectural structure of claim 21, wherein said first edge of saidmain member includes a bevel feature.
 23. The safety nosing componentfor securement to an stair architectural structure of claim 21, whereinsaid substrate element is constructed of a material selected from thegroup comprising of a white polypropylene and a white polyethylene. 24.The safety nosing component for securement to a stair architecturalstructure of claim 21, wherein said base element is constructed of amaterial compounded with a glass fiber.
 25. The safety nosing componentfor securement to an stair architectural structure of claim 21, whereinsaid base element is constructed of a material selected from the groupcomprising of polyurethane, polypropylene, and nylon-polypropylenealloy.
 26. The safety nosing component for securement to a stairarchitectural structure of claim 21, wherein said texture element is aplurality of cleats.
 27. The safety nosing component for securement toan stair architectural structure of claim 21, wherein said lightemission element is between and including ½ inches to about andincluding 2½ inches in width.
 28. The safety nosing component forsecurement to a stair architectural structure of claim 21, wherein saidsubstrate element and said light emission element are extruded andinsert molded with said base element.
 29. The safety nosing componentfor securement to a stair architectural structure of claim 21 furthercomprising a texture element on said exterior surface of said supportmember.
 30. The safety nosing component for securement to a stairarchitectural structure of claim 29, wherein said texture element istread.
 31. The safety nosing component for securement to a stairarchitectural structure of claim 29, wherein said texture element is anadvertising constituent.
 32. The safety nosing component for securementto a stair architectural structure of claim 21, wherein said textureelement further comprises an advertising constituent.